Storage system for single guide means

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a storage system of the type wherein maximum storage efficiency is obtained by utilizing a plurality of parallel storage units that can shift transversely so as to permit access to any given storage unit while still utilizing the available space to the maximum extent possible. The improvement consists of eliminating safety hazards normally connected with such equipment by eliminating the outer guide means normally provided and by specially reinforcing the individual storage units to rigidify the same against lateral deflection at the outboard end.

[ 1 June 5, 1973 United States Patent Ruth FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS GUIDE MEANS [54] STORAGE SYSTEM FOR SINGLE 7/1965 Belgium 1/162 [76] Inventor: John E. Ruth, 171 Belhar, Drive,

Akron, Ohio 44313 Apr. 25, 1971 Primary Examiner-Ramon S. Britts Att0rneyFreeman & Taylor [22] Filed:

[21] Appl.No.: 137,308

shift transversely so as to permit access to any given storage unit while still utilizing the available space to the maximum extent possible.

The

[52] U.S. Cl...............................2ll/162, 214/16.1R [51] Int. 5/00 [58] Field 0fSearch............,.............211/162, 23, 24,

16.1 R, 16.1 CA, 16.1 EA, 330; 312/200,

199 improvement consists of eliminating safety hazards normally connected with such equipment by [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS eliminating the outer guide means normally provided and by specially reinforcing the individual storage units to rigidify the same against lateral deflection at the outboard end.

...211/23 ...52/l43 .211/162 1 Claim, 8 Drawing Figures 1,304,902 5/1919 2,401,881 6/1946 Petsche 2,812,069 11/1957 Trammell............................

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PATENTED JUH 5 I913 SHEET 1 BF 2 lllllllllllllllll IIIIII INVENTOR JOHN E. RUTH BY jam v ATTORNEYS FIG. 2

STORAGE SYSTEM FOR SINGLE GUIDE MEANS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention, as noted above, relates to storage systems that utilize parallel storage racks that are moved transversely to select or define the appropriate openings so as to permit access to any given storage unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Foulkes U.S. Pat. No. 2,l66,704 shows a basic storage system of the type herein being discussed, with the Foulkes structure showing the use of inner and outer guide members to assist in a side-by-side movement required to gain access. Other systems of this type are shown in Crosby U.S. Pat. No. 2,915,195 and Staller vU.S. Pat. No. 3,427,085.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates principally to the production of an improved storage system that utilizes a single guide means located adjacent of what will be hereinafter defined as the inboard end of each storage system so that potential danger to a workman in tripping over the guide means is eliminated.

To compensate for the elimination of the outer guide means, the storage units are reinforced longitudinally by a series of X-frame components that serve to rigidify sidered and interpreted in view of the accompanying drawings.

OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a single storage rack arranged on the single guide means in adjacent relationship to a wall member.

FIG. 2 is a vertical elevation of the improved storage rack shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are vertical sections taken on the lines 3-3 and 44 of FIG. 5 and showing the two different types of supporting arrangements employed in the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the storage unit shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the improved storage unit shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a floor plan layout showing the manner of positioning the storage units within the confines of a given storage area.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary plan view ofa modified form of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof, the improved storage unit, generally designated by the numeral 10, is generally rectangular in plan so as to include an outboard end portion 11, an intermediate support portion 12, and an inboard end portion 13, with these just-described components being interconnected by longitudinally extending frame members 14,14 and with the entire storage unit 10 being supported on elongate transverse frames 15, 16, and 17; each of which is provided with rollers 15a,15a; l6a,16a; and 17a,17a, as clearly shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. A guide strip 18 is placed in close adjacency to a wall W and is positioned beneath the wheels 17a,17a as shown in FIG. I,,.to assist in guiding the storage unit during transverse shifting thereof.

With regard to the details of the storage rack 10, a typical arrangement showing upright frame components 11, 12, and 13 being interconnected by horizontal components 14,14 has been illustrated for the purpose of illustrating the use of a rack of this type for the purpose of storing automobile tires. It is to be understood, however, that the framework of the storage rack per se does not form a part of the invention and that alternate arrangements or a rearrangement of structural parts could be undertaken for different storage requirements, without changing the principle herein involved. To achieve the most efficient storage, it is necessary, of course, that the components 14,14 be horizontal, and to this end some compensation must be made for the elevated height that would be imparted to the inboard end 13 due to the presence of the guide member 18 beneath the wheels 17a,17a.

In this regard the frames 15, 16, and 17 are generally of identical configuration and each include parallel U- shaped angle irons 20, 21 that interconnect at their ends by having cross members 22,22 welded thereto.

However, and as shown in FIG. 4, the rod 23 is located at an axis that is closer to ground level; that is the case of rod 24 shown in FIG. 3. By this arrangement the wheels 15a, 16a, and 17a, which are of identical diameter, all will be mounted in such a fashion that the lower edges 20a,20a of each frame member 15, 16, and 17 are spaced equi-distant from the ground. By this arrangement a perfectly horizontal operating mode is insured.

Further, and as best shown in FIG. 3, the wheels l7a,l7a are provided with a V-groove 25 that is adapted to engage with the angle iron component 26 that is welded to the guide member 18. Rollers or wheels 15a,l5a and l6a,l6a are in rolling contact with the floor, as shown clearly in FIG. 4 of the drawings.

It will further be noted from FIG. 2 that in the preferred embodiment of the invention shown, all wheel members 1521,15a, as well as the longitudinally aligned wheel members 160,161: and 17a,l7a, are disposed outwardly beyond the normal transverse width of the unit 10. This provides additional stability without necessarily lessening storage capacity due to the fact that the tires TT shown in FIG. 2 normally project beyond the normal width of the storage rack. v

To increase the longitudinal stability of the overall rack 10, a series of X-braces 30,30 are shown interconnecting the frame member 16 with the frame members 15 and 17, as clearly shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 7 of the drawings. It has been observed that by connecting the frame members to the outboard portions longitudinal extremity of the frame members 15, 16, and 17, greater strength and rigidification is obtained than would otherwise be the case.

In use or operation of the improved storage system, it will first be assumed that the individual storage racks have been assembled to the position shown in FIG. 1, and at this time it is merely necessary that the guide rollers 170,170 be placed on the guide track 18, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 6.

At this time and referring to FlG. 7, and when all units have been so installed, there will always be one open space available for ingress or egress with respect to said individual storage racks. To change the location of the open space shown in FIG. 7, it is merely necessary that one or more units be moved in the direction of arrow 40, shown in FIG. 7, so as to relocate the access area.

The modified form of the invention shown in FIG. 8 utilizes a wheel 50 mounted on an axle 51 that is, in turn, pivoted to a bracket 52 around axle 53, with bracket 51 being secured to the frame member 21 as by the use of welds 54,54. The wheel is mounted on the lower portion of the outboard frame 11 so as to be normally in contact with the ground. Under this arrangement the foot of the workman can be placed on the wheel to cause it to rotate and, accordingly, cause a shifting of the rack components. The pivoting arrangement around axle 53 prevents injury to a workman in the event the wheel runs over his foot.

While a full and complete description of the invention has been set forth in accordance with the dictates of the Patent Statutes, it is to be understood that the in vention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiment herein shown. Accordingly, modifications of the invention may be resorted to without departing from the spirit hereof or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A single track storage system for use on a floor surface of the character described, comprising;

A. at least two parallel elongate roller support frames with each frame having aligned roller elements disposed thereon at the opposed end portions thereof and being arranged in parallel relationship with each other;

B. at least one X-brace connected between each set of adjacent support frames at transversely opposed ends thereof; I

C. a series of upright frame components disposed vertically with respect to said support frames;

D. a series of support components extending horizontally between said upright frame components and being adapted to support materials stored thereon;

E. the width of said frame components being less than the distance between the axis of rotation of said roller elements of said roller support frames whereby said roller elements have their point of connection to said X-braces located at a point'that is transversely outboard with respect to said frame components;

F. said storage system having an inboard and'outboard end portion;

G. a single track member fixed with respect to said floor surface adjacent the inboard end of said storage system;

H. interlocking guide means operable between said single track and the roller elements that are provided on said inboard end of said storage system, whereby said storage system will move transversely in a straight line with respect to said single track; and

1. All roller elements that are located outboard of said inboard roller elements engaging said floor. 

1. A single track storage system for use on a floor surface of the character described, comprising; A. at least two parallel elongate roller support frames with each frame having aligned roller elements disposed thereon at the opposed end portions thereof and being arranged in parallel relationship with each other; B. at least one X-brace connected between each set of adjacent support frames at transversely opposed ends thereof; C. a series of upright frame components disposed vertically with respect to said support frames; D. a series of support components extending horizontally between said upright frame components and being adapted to support materials stored thereon; E. the width of said frame components being less than the distance between the axis of rotation of said roller elements of said roller support frames whereby said roller elements have their point of connection to said X-braces located at a point that is transversely outboard with respect to said frame components; F. said storage system having an inboard and outboard end portion; G. a single track member fixed with respect to said floor surface adjacent the inboard end of said storage system; H. interlocking guide means operable between said single track and the roller elements that are provided on said inboard end of said storage system, whereby said storage system will move transversely in a straight line with respect to said single track; and I. All roller elements that are located outboard of said inboard roller elements engaging said floor. 